A new spectrally selective coating based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for solar thermal applications is demonstrated. For optimized coatings solar absorptance coefficients α40.92 and thermal emittance coefficients εo0.1 (400 °C) were achieved. These results render CNT coatings as a low cost and high performance alternative to commercially available vacuum deposited cermet coatings for concentrate...

The authors develop slim and light-weight vacuum insulation panels (VIPs) by producing vacuum layers with spacers and plastic plates. The developed VIPs have the advantages of a low cost and easy installation, thus facilitating retrofitting insulation of existing buildings. In addition, one of the developed VIPs is slim and translucent so it can be easily used for windows in an internal install...